Slaven Bilić’s Baggies return to The Hawthorns following the conclusion of the international break as they look for their first Premier League win of the season against Burnley on Monday evening (ko 5.30pm).
Burnley
Their last time out
During their fourth successive term in England’s top flight last year, the Clarets enjoyed a solid campaign as they finished in 10th spot.
After the new year, Burnley defeated Leicester City and Manchester United in quick succession towards the end of January and went on to lose just two of their remaining 14 league games. Unfortunately their journey in domestic tournaments was cut short in the early stages of the EFL and FA Cup.
This season, they have lost all three league games they have played. In their last outing they were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle United. The Magpies took the lead through Allan Saint-Maximin, but Ashley Westwood struck level for Burnley just after the hour mark. However, two goals from Callum Wilson on Tyneside left the away side still searching for their first league point of the season.
In the dugout
Manager Sean Dyche holds high status amongst the Clarets fanbase after guiding them back to the Premier League in 2014 following a four-year absence.
The former defender agreed a deal to become Burnley boss in September 2012 and after guiding them to a 11th placed finish in his first term, the 49-year-old secured automatic promotion during his second year as the Clarets returned to England’s elite tier.
Although they endured a swift return to the Championship following relegation in their first year, Dyche’s side responded emphatically by winning the division to come straight back up and since returning in 2016, Burnley have qualified for the qualifying stages of the Europa League and secured two top-10 finishes over four seasons.
One to watch
Dwight McNeil continues to thrive as one of Burnley’s most promising and creative players.
A Burnley academy graduate, McNeil featured once in the 2017/18 campaign before his breakthrough in the first team came in the 2018/19 season, where he made 21 appearances, netting three goals and claiming five assists.
Last season the England youth international completed 38 outings claiming two goals and six assists. The 20-year-old has started all of Burnley’s matches so far this season.
Our last meeting
Albion’s last memorable clash with the Clarets came in November 2016 where the Baggies secured a thumping 4-0 victory over Dyche’s men thanks to strikes from Matt Phillips, James Morrison, Darren Fletcher and Salomon Rondon.
Stats
Albion
- The Baggies have lost just one of their last 10 home encounters with Burnley.
- Gaffer Slaven Bilić is unbeaten in the three matches he’s managed against Sean Dyche’s Clarets (W2 and D1).
- This clash at The Hawthorns historically promises goals with Albion netting two or more in six of their last seven on home soil against Burnley.
Burnley
- Dyche's men have conceded seven goals during both of their Premier League away matches so far this season.
- The Clarets have notched three goals in two games despite losing both.
- Ashley Barnes netted in the last fixture between the two sides in 2018 and has three direct goal involvements in his last six PL games against the Baggies, but has won just one of those.
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draw | Burnley wins | |
| League | 55 | 28 | 45 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 56 | 29 | 46 |
Our one to watch
Matheus Pereira will be keen to continue his attacking success when the Clarets visit The Hawthorns on Monday evening.
Prior to a disappointing defeat against Southampton last time out, the creative Brazilian had three direct goal involvements in three matches - scoring a sublime free-kick against Everton as well as an assist before setting up Callum Robinson’s opener against Chelsea in Albion’s last home match.
After the Saints limited the Brazilian’s influence in his last Premier League match, the 24-year-old will be looking to make a positive impact against a Burnley side who are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season.
Read all about it
An exclusive interview with Callum Robinson features in the latest edition of Albion News, with all the usual from Slav and Jake as well as reminiscing on fond memories of The Hawthorns as we continue celebrating 120 years of history at the shrine. Pick up Monday's copy here or find out more about this season's editions here.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
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Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
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